David Charles Johnson

DJ was born January 30, 1942, in Duluth, Minnesota, to David and Florence Johnson and grew up in Superior, Wisconsin. He graduated from Superior East High School in 1959 and attended Superior State College before moving to Denver, Colorado, where he began working for McDonnell Douglas Automation.

In 1964, after being drafted, DJ enlisted in the United States Air Force. Selected for his aptitude for languages, he attended an intensive Chinese language program at Yale University. He was later stationed in Japan and flew temporary duty assignments to Vietnam.

Following his military service, DJ attended the University of Wisconsin, where he majored in psychology and minored in Chinese, graduating in 1971. He returned to Denver and McDonnell Douglas Automation, where he met Margaret “Peggy” Monahan. They married on January 27, 1973.

DJ's career eventually took the family from Denver to Dallas, where he worked for IBM and Hogan Systems before starting his own consulting business. His career reflected many of the qualities those who knew him recognized throughout his life: intelligence, an extraordinary attention to detail, a strong work ethic and a belief in doing things the right way.

DJ and Peggy raised two children, Mark and Kimberly. Over their more than 53 years of marriage, they built a life centered around family, friends and the places and activities DJ loved most.

Quiet and observant by nature, DJ had a sharp intellect, quick wit and wonderful sense of humor that those closest to him knew well. He was an avid reader, enjoyed crossword puzzles and appreciated a Budweiser or a Dewar's with good company.

Colorado always held a special place in DJ's heart. He loved the outdoors, particularly fly-fishing and skiing. He enjoyed every part of fly-fishing—from tying flies and seeking out the best trout waters to the friendships and community surrounding the sport. Family ski trips also became a favorite tradition and the source of many lasting memories.

DJ was grandfather to four boys: Wyatt, Ethan, Jackson and Graham. He enjoyed being active with them, sharing plenty of laughs and, in later years, quieter moments together watching Gunsmoke in the “Dave Cave.”

Alzheimer's changed much about the final years of DJ's life, but it never erased the relationships that mattered most to him. Peggy remained his constant source of comfort and was by his side throughout his long journey with the disease.

DJ was preceded in death by his parents, David and Florence Johnson, and his brothers, Dan Johnson and Timothy Johnson. He is survived by his wife, Margaret “Peggy” Johnson; his son, Mark Johnson; his daughter, Kimberly Mills and her husband, Doug; his grandchildren, Wyatt Johnson, Ethan Johnson, Jackson Mills and Graham Mills; his brother, Michael Johnson; and his sister, Cathy Johnson Fulton and her husband, Ron.

A memorial service celebrating DJ’s life will be held Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 2:00–3:00 p.m. at Schoedinger Northwest, 1740 Zollinger Road, Columbus, Ohio 43221. A reception will immediately follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites those wishing to honor DJ’s memory to make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association.